The latest in pre-dinner fare: retro appetizers with a sleek spin. Here, tomato soup gets cozy with jalapeños, which are blended into the mixture for a spicy take on comfort food. The crunch companion: a mini grilled cheese sandwich. Appetizer glass, JB Prince, 800-473-0577. Hors d'oeuvres created by Creative Edge Parties, NYC, creativeedgeparties.com.

Imagine a BLT after a gourmet makeover: These mini sandwiches, ID'ed by means of a branding iron, are stuffed with Parma prosciutto (Italian ham), arugula and roasted tomatoes. Hors d'ouevres created by Creative Edge Parties, NYC, creativeedgeparties.com.